Mbira Tunings - The 3 Main Differences Across Makers

Listen to two examples of the ‘same’ tuning from two different makers.
Hear and understand the three main differences across makers : intervals, overtones, and handmade instruments.
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[@mixmessagemedia]

Thanks for the info Andy.

[@fowlerad]

My pleasure! Congratulations on your new mbira too. 💖

[@12345AgainstOne]

even though the tuning does sound off when compared to a western scale it seems like its calibrated to be pretty harmonious with itself. in comparison to the guitar which im more familiar with, it seems like there is a lot less variance in these extra tones coming though in this instrument since its tuning is static and there is only one place to play the note, whereas on the guitar you can play the same note in a few different positions, which id guess would cause more inconsistency in harmonious tones, does that make sense? I guess overall im trying to say it doesnt match what my ear is used to in terms of notes and scales, but it seems to work harmoniously as a whole in a pleasing way. on a side note, im guessing these arent meant to retune by the user-is it possible and do they make some that you can adjust yourself to change the tuning or try to experiment with getting other overtones to come through?

[@fowlerad]

Exactly, because of these overtones folk will have different degrees of success changing the tuning of their instruments. Usually a maker will cut the tops of the keys in a neat line once the instrument is complete - so this can be a helpful visual guide for returning an out-of-tune instrument back to its original state. Some players will score a straight line across the keys on a new instrument so they can see what position to return the instrument to if the keys are ever moved intentionally or unintentionally. While I don't know of any mbira instruments made specifically for maintaining specific overtones when keys are re-tuned, lots of folk do make slight alterations... and where an unpleasant overtone comes through we can place a bit of blu-tac/putty/sticky-pad on the underside of the key to dampen it.

[@12345AgainstOne]

@@fowlerad that makes sense, thanks for the reply!